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Doris 'Dori' Sarnstrom
A Self-Taught Artist
May 5, 1920 - April 17, 2001
MONTROSE - Doris "Dori" Sarnstrom, age 80, a resident of Montrose for 11 years, died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in St. Mary's Hospital at Grand Junction.
Doris Wamsley, the daughter of Everett Wamsley and Anna (Langner) Wamsley, was born on May 5, 1920, in Chicago, Ill. She grew to adulthood in Chicago and Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from high school at Cleveland Tech where she majored in art.
On Jan. 4, 1951, Dori was joined in marriage with the love of her life, Howard Sarnstrom, at Ellsworth, Wis. Dori and Howard had the joy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year in January.
After raising four children, Dori went on to become a self-taught artist. She taught ceramic classes and advanced pottery classes in Phoenix, Ariz., for 20 years.
She developed a special line of carved pottery with oil finishes. Her pottery was displayed in numerous galleries which resulted in her pottery being sold to customers in many foreign countries.
She was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church of Montrose and the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group.
Dori was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving family members who were very grateful to share Dori's life include her husband, Howard, of the family home in Montrose; four children: James, of Carlsbad, N.M.; Carol, of Las Vegas, Nev.; Victoria, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Paul and wife Galina, of Montrose.
Dori was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two grandchildren.
Memorial Services to honor Dori's life will be officiated by Rev. Darryl Hannenberg on Saturday, April 21, at 2 p.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church in Montrose. The service will conclude at the church.
Cremation has taken place.
The family requests no flowers or gifts. Memorial contributions may be made to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, In Memory of Dori Sarnstrom, 743 Horizon Court, Grand Junction, CO 81506.
Maria Bernerdita 'Bernie' Ulibarri de Gonzales
Enjoyed Homemaking, Helping Others
Feb. 2, 1938 - April 17, 2001
MONTROSE - Maria Bernerdita "Bernie" Ulibarri de Gonzales, age 63, a resident of Montrose since 1984, died after a three-month illness Tuesday evening, April 17, 2001, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital at Montrose.
Maria Bernerdita Ulibarri was born on Feb. 2, 1938, in La Puente, Rio Arriba County, N.M. She was raised by her uncle and aunt Adolfo and Maria Ulibarri and spent her childhood at La Puente, N.M., where she grew to adulthood, receiving her education in Tierra Amarilla and in Chama, N.M.
When she was a child, in the spring of each year Bernie would visit family members, ususally her uncles, camping in the mountains, a tradition she continued for many years. Being in the mountains of Northern New Mexico continued a long family tradition because of the treaty of Guadalupe-Hildago in 1948, her ancestor, Maria Jesus Ulibarri, a member of the Northern Pueblo known as Tewa, moved to La Placita Blanca in Northern New Mexico. The settlement is now known as La Puente and members of her family still remain in the community.
After completing school, Bernie moved to Denver and then to Chama, N.M.
In 1976, she married Moises Gonzales. Their marriage later ended in divorce and Moises died in 1998.
Bernie moved to Cortez where she taught in the Montezuma-Cortez School District in the bilingual program and also served at the Four Corners Sheltered Workshop as a supervisor as well as working at the Cortez Memorial Hospital.
In 1984, Bernie moved to Montrose to be close to her family where she made her home until the time of her death.
She put other before herself and was very active in visiting the nursing homes, working with MADA, and serving with the Prison Ministry. Bernie's work on behalf of others was recognized in the retired and senior volunteer program by special recognition.
Bernie could always be counted on to help her family and friends who were ill and in need of assistance. She enjoyed crocheting, reading western novels, and working crossword and word search puzzles. She especially loved and enjoyed homemaking and was an immaculate housekeeper.
Bernie was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Montrose.
Surviving family members very grateful to share Bernie's life include one son, Richard Gonzales and wife Guadalupe, of Twin Falls, Idaho, and their children, Bernie's grandchildren: Zachary, Jessica, and "Richie" Richard Jr.; and two daughters: Ernestine "Tina" and husband Jesus Corral, of Las Vegas, Nev., and their children, Bernie's grandchildren: Joseluis and Victoria Corral; and Sally and husband Finley Pribble, of Montrose.
Other family survivors include her aunt who raised her, Maria Ulibarri, of Dolores; two brothers: Isidoro Ulibarri, of Montrose; Richard Ulibarri, of Monroe, La.; and one sister, Teofilia and husband John Bercillio, of Montrose.
Bernie was preceded in death by three sisters: Rosie Jaramillo; Olivama and Lugardita Ulibarri; two brothers: Miguel Ulibarri and Remijo Ulibarri; one granddaughter, Lorraine Pribble; and her uncle who raised her, Adolfo Ulibarri, who died in 1992.
Vigil for the deceased will be recited on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Montrose.
Funeral Mass in loving remembrance and to honor Bernie's life will be officiated by Rev. Monsignor Dan Huber on Friday, April 20, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home; (970) 249-4400.
Gilbert J. 'Red' Wandell
Excavation Co. Truck Driver
Nov. 4, 1935 - April 18, 2001
OLATHE - Gilbert J. "Red" Wandell, age 65, of Olathe, died Wednesday, April 18, 2001, in the San Juan Living Center at Montrose.
Gilbert J. Wandell, the son of Gilbert and Rebecca (Minnear) Wandell, was born on Nov. 4, 1935, in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Red married his wife Rubie and they became the parents of three sons. The marriage later ended in divorce.
On September 17, 1976, he married Sharon Hollis in Las Vegas, Nev., and together they raised six children including their own daughter, Joy. Sharon preceded Red in death on Feb. 18, 1985.
He was employed as a truck driver for an excavation company.
During his lifetime, Red loved and enjoyed hunting and spending time with his horses.
Surviving family members who were grateful to share Red's life include his father, Louis Kuchler, of Congress, Ariz., formerly of Montrose; three sons: Dan Wandell and wife Chris; Robert Wandell; and William Wandell, all of Montrose; and three daughters: Gayla Wandell and Darla Wandell, both of Arizona; and Joy Wandell, of Olathe.
Red was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Misty Liles and Travis Hawks; Shannon and Jake Wandell; Jes and Jason Wandell; and Morgan and Christine Jiron.
Other family survivors include one brother, Jim Wandell and wife Betty, of Steamboat Springs.
Along with his wife Sharon, Red was also preceded in death by his mother.
Graveside Services in loving remembrance and to honor Red's life will be officiated on Tuesday, April 24, at 1 p.m. in the Mesa View Cemetery
at Delta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Red Wandall, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402-1804.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery of Delta; (970) 874-9988.
Helen Ballard Schissler
Retired District Court Deputy Clerk
May 3, 1944 - March 31, 2001
ESTES PARK - Helen Ballard Schissler, age 56, a resident of Estes Park since 1996, died Saturday, March 31, 2001, at her home in Estes Park.
Born on May 3, 1944, in Durango, Colo., Helen Ballard was the daughter of Charles N. Ballard and Jackie Ann (McKibben) Ballard. She spent her childhood years, graduated from high school, and grew to adulthood in Durango.
Prior to her retirement in 1989, she was employed as a District Court Deputy Clerk in Jefferson County for eight years.
She had previously lived in Arvada.
On March 25, 1989, Helen was joined in marriage with Everett Schissler in Lakewood, Colo.
Helen and Everett traveled in their motor home between 1994 and 1996. In 1996, they moved to Estes Park where Helen went to work at the Estes Park Aeriel Tramway, and made her home there until the time of her death.
Among the many loves in Helen's life, she especially loved and enjoyed painting, crocheting, knitting, and cooking.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Helen's life include her husband, Everett Schissler, of Estes Park; one son, Roger D. Talbert and wife Lauri, of Thornton; and three daughters: Jennifer and husband William Carlson, of Wheat Ridge; Tonja and husband Ted Gibson, of Monument; Kara and husband Kirk Rosenstrauch, of Colorado Springs; and seven precious grandchildren.
Other family survivors include her father, Charles Ballard, of Montrose; one brother, Charles L. Ballard and wife Jan, of Belgrade, Mont.; and one sister, Diane Bunten, of Montrose.
Helen was preceded in death by her mother, Jackie Billard, who died in July of 1988; and one sister, Jackie Jean "Jeannie" Puffer.
Private Family Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to honor and celebrate Helen's life will be held.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Allnutt Funeral Service, 1302 Graves Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 586-3101.
Dorothy M. Jones
Loved To Go Fishing!
Aug. 17, 1922 - April 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Dorothy M. "Dot" Jones, age 78, of Montrose, died early Easter Sunday morning, April 15, 2001, in the Colorow Care Center at Olathe.
Dorothy M. Fisher was born in the Pea Green area near Olathe, Colo., on Aug. 17, 1922, the daughter of Jay Fisher and Margaret (Smith) Fisher. She graduated from Olathe High School in 1940 and continued to pursue her education for a year at Barnes Business College in Denver.
Following her education in Denver at Barnes Business College, Dorothy lived and worked in San Francisco, Calif., for a short time during World War II, before returning to Colorado and finally relocating to Montrose where she made her home until the time of her death.
On Aug. 8, 1953, she was joined in marriage with James H. Jones in Durango, Colo. James preceded Dorothy in death on July 15, 1971, in Delta County.
Dorothy was employed as a bookkeeper/office manager with the Colorado-Ute Electric Association for 25 years, retiring from there in 1984. She continued to remain active, working at KUBC/KKXK, Blairs Truck Stop and the Ute Indian Museum.
She was a strong supporter of the Delta-Montrose Voc-Tech Center and served on several advisory committees.
Her parents owned and operated the Olathe Hardware Store for several years; the store at that time sold farm implements. She was also proud of her uncle Bryon Fisher of Delta who built the historic Pea Green Store.
Dorothy loved fishing and the outdoors. In later years, she enjoyed taking her camp trailer to Blue Mesa and spending the weekends fishing with her friends. Dorothy was a very loving and supportive mother.
She especially enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour novels and watching a good John Wayne movie on TV. Dorothy never knew a stranger and "was the best friend" ever to those she met during her lifetime. She was close to her four nieces who fondly called her "auntie."
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Dorothy's life include her son, Mike Jones and wife Elaine Hale-Jones, of Montrose; one sister, LaDine and husband Bob Adams, of Olathe; and four special nieces and their families: Marge and Jerry McClure, of Longmont; Shirley and Bill Duncan, of Montrose; Bobbie Bathurst, of Grand Junction; and Kathy and Ty Helgenberger, of Montrose; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, James Jones; and a great-niece, Michelle Bathurst.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, April 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor and celebrate Dorothy's life will be officiated by Rev. John Mocko on Saturday, April 21, at 1 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Montrose.
Interment will follow the service in the Delta Municipal Cemetery
at Delta, with arrangements being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Warren E. 'Toad' Daly
Retired Spring Creek Farmer, Stockman
Feb. 12, 1911 - April 9, 2001
MONTROSE - Warren E. "Toad" Daly, age 90, a retired Spring Creek farmer and stockman and a resident of Montrose since he was 6 months old, died Monday afternoon, April 9, 2001, in the Valley Manor Care Center at Montrose.
Warren E. Daly, the son of James Alexander Daly and Margaret (Speer) Daly, was born on Feb. 12, 1911, in Emporia, Kan. His father was an Indian Agent in North Dakota and Kansas before being transferred to Montrose, where he was an Indian Agent for the Mountain Utes, when Toad was 6 months old. The family purchased property in the Spring Creek area where Toad remained until the time of his death. He spent his childhood years in Montrose where he went to the Oak Grove School and then Montrose County High School.
He was given the unusual nickname "Toad" early in life because of the manner in which he could imitate the sound of a frog. The name stuck with him his entire life and became the name he preferred to use.
Upon the completion of his education, Toad joined his father in the operation of the farm. The family later built a dance pavilion at the edge of a lake of their property and operated a dance hall and park, called Lakeside, where picnics and other social outings took place. Fishing and skating in the winter were also held at Lakeside where Toad was the manager until closing the operation in the 1950s.
In addition to operating the farm and the pavilion, Toad operated a logging business, built hay derricks and raised cattle. He remained active on his farm until retiring in 1965 when he leased the ground to others.
He loved the land and was a dedicated conservationist, serving as the president of the Soil Conservation District for a number of years in the 1940s and 1950s.
On Nov. 17, 1939, Toad was married in Carson City, Nev., to Myrtle C. Coghill, who preceded him in death in January of 1991.
He was an accomplished ice skater and loved ice hockey, both as a participant and as an observer. He greatly enjoyed dancing, baseball and coached a women's softball team for a number of years. Above all, Toad was an avid reader. He loved poetry, reading western novels, biographies, newspapers and other current periodicals.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Toad's life include one son, Gary Daly and wife Kathy, of Canon City; one daughter, Sheila Cole, of Montrose; and seven precious grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Along with both of his parents and his wife, Myrtle, Toad was also preceded in death by two brothers: Harold and Harry Daly; and one sister, Katherine Daly.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Montrose Valley Funeral Home.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Toad's life will be officiated by Pastor Jim Welch on Friday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at the Victory Baptist Church in Montrose. Carma Grimes will serve as vocalist.
Interment will follow the service in the Cedar Cemetery
at Montrose, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home; (970) 249-4400.
David C. Johnston
Attorney, Delta Co. Judge
April 24, 1947 - April 11, 2001
PAONIA - David C. Johnston, age 53, a resident of Paonia for 25 years, died Wednesday, April 11, 2001, at his home in Paonia, 13 days before he would have celebrated his 54th birthday. David was an attorney and had been a Delta County Judge for 12 years.
David C. Johnston, the son of Donald C. Johnston and Louise (Swain) Johnston, was born on April 24, 1947, in Sebastopol, Calif., where he spent his childhood years, graduated from Analee High School in Sebastopol, Calif., and grew to adulthood. He continued to pursue his education and was an undergraduate of Stanford University in California and earned his Law degree from Harvard University in Massachusetts.
David's marriage to Rita Murphy ended in divorce.
He was a member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County Babe Ruth League, KVNF Radio and WSERC.
A former Peace Corps Volunteer from 1968-1970, David especially enjoyed reading, music, hiking, camping, his family, games, and tennis.
Surviving family members very grateful to share David's life include his companion, Lori Porter, of Paonia; three sons: Donald M. Johnston, Christopher Johnston, Thomas Johnston, all of Paonia; one daughter, Katie Johnston, of Colorado Springs; and his parents, Donald and Louise Johnston, of Sebastopol, Calif.
Memorial services in loving remembrance, and to honor and say farewell to David, will be officiated on Wednesday, April 18, at 4 p.m. in the Paonia Park at Paonia. If inclement weather, the service will be held at the Paonia High School. The service will conclude at the park.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Delta County Hospice Project, In Memory of David C. Johnston, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416 or KVNF Radio, In Memory of David C. Johnston, P.O. Box 1350, Delta, CO 81428.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988.
Helen 'Ruth' Olson Huffer
Loved the Lord, Family & Friends
Nov. 9, 1911 - April 11, 2001
MONTROSE - World War II veteran, Ruth Olson Huffer, age 89, a resident of Montrose since January of 1995, died after a brief illness Wednesday afternoon, April 11, 2001, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital at Montrose.
Helen Ruth Catlin was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., on Nov. 9, 1911, the daughter of Catherine and Claude Catlin. After graduating from high school, she entered nursing school in Utica, N.Y., receiving her R.N. degree in 1932. Ruth did post-graduate work at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, N.Y., and held several nursing positions in the area.
During World War II, Ruth enlisted in the United States Army Nurse Corp where she met and married Bennett C. Olson.
Following the war the Olsons moved to Bemidji, Minn., where they owned and operated the Olson Funeral Home until Bennett's death in 1963. Ruth continued to own and operate the funeral home until 1965.
In 1968, she married Dr. E.K. Huffer and relocated to Mesa, Ariz. Dr. Huffer died in 1975 and Ruth continued living in Mesa until moving to Montrose in 1995 where she remained until the time of her own death.
She was a member of PEO, a lifetime member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, and was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Montrose.
Ruth enjoyed church work, hospice and other volunteer activities, as well as playing bridge and traveling. She especially loved and treasured spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors grateful to have shared her life include one son, Bennett C. Olson III and granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Olson, of Minneapolis, Minn.; one daughter, Phyllis and husband Dr. Paul Wiesner, and grandchildren: Eric, Andrea and Steve Wiesner, all of Montrose.
Other family survivors include one brother, William R. Catlin and wife Pearl, of Bellevue, Wash.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services to celebrate Ruth's life will be officiated by Pastor John Mocko on Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Montrose. The service will conclude at the church.
Cremation has taken place, with inurnment services to be held in Bemidji, Minn.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First Lutheran Church, In Memory of Helen Olson Huffer, Bemidji, MN 56601or Zion Lutheran Church, In Memory of Helen Olson Huffer, 701 S. Junction, Montrose, CO 81401.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Humberto Pena
Former Delta Mechanic
Sept. 17, 1959 - April 13, 2001
RIFLE - Former longtime Delta resident and mechanic, Humberto Pena, age 41, a resident of Rifle for four years, died Friday, April 13, 2001, in St. Mary's Hospital at Grand Junction.
Humberto Pena, the son of Manuel Pena and Isabel (Avila) Pena, was born on Sept. 17, 1959, in Mexico, where he spent his childhood years and grew to adulthood.
His marriage to Leonor Orozco ended in divorce. Humberto then married Lucila Tena and they shared their lives together until the time of Humberto's death.
He was employed as a mechanic.
Prior to moving to Rifle four years ago, Humberto made his home in Delta for 16 years.
Surviving family members who were grateful to share Humberto's life include his wife, Lucila Tena, of Rifle; one son, Humberto Pena; one daughter, Janet Pena, both of Delta; and one precious grandchild.
Other family survivors include his mother, Isabel Avila; five brothers: Rumaldo Pena, Silvestre Pena, Cayetano Pena, Defino Pena, Natividad Pena; and four sisters: Candelaria Pena, Belia Pena, Manuela Pena, Rosario Pena, all of Mexico; as well as many friends.
Humberto was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Pena; and one sister, Irene Pena.
Visitation for family and friends was scheduled for Saturday, April 14, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor and say farewell to Humberto were officiated by Pastor Carlos Sluder and Rumaldo Pena on Saturday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta.
Interment will be conducted on Monday, April 16, at 2 p.m. in the Delta City Cemetery
at Delta.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory of Delta; (970) 874-9988.
